WARNING: The following article contains major spoilers for Avengers: Infinity War, in theaters now.


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With Avengers: Infinity War ending the way it did, it's no surprise why Marvel Studios has been keeping virtually everything about Avengers 4 under wraps, from the mysterious title to the plot to the roles of the characters involved.

You can't blame the studio for wanting to maintain its secrecy; as president Kevin Feige indicated, this fourth chapter is geared to be a genuine ending to the MCU's Phase Three, wrapping everything that started with 2008's Iron Man. As a result, the Marvel Cinematic Universe will have an entirely different feel as it heads into the next phase.


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That means Avengers 4's stakes may be even higher than in Infinity War, as our heroes look to rebound following their resounding defeat against Thanos, which resulted in the Mad Titan wiping out half of the galaxy. With Infinity War boasting a record-breaking opening weekend, it'll certainly have staying power in cinemas, which means that we don't know when more details about its sequel will arrive. Until then, here's a round-up of what we know is in store, and what we think is possible for the curtain-closer ahead.

It's Still Untitled...

The film's title has been a big guessing game for fans, and we still have no clue what it is. The studio kept it quiet because it felt it would have spoiled the ending of Infinity War, but with that cat now out the bag, one would think that the veil of secrecy would finally be lifted. Sadly, Feige has confirmed that won't be happening anytime soon -- but still, it hasn't stopped us from speculating.

Avengers-4-header

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What we do know is that the title was actually conceived early on in development, and that it won't be titled 'Infinity Gauntlet.' What makes guessing even more difficult is that we've been sent mixed signals, with the Russo brothers saying fans should be scared of the title, while Feige contradicts them by saying it won't live up to expectations. Only time will tell, we guess.

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Thanos Will Return

Calling Thanos' exploits in Infinity War a victory is a major understatement. He did exactly what he promised, going after the Infinity Stones and then restoring balance to the universe in his own sick, twisted way; all with the snap of his fingers. He then ghosted off, presumably to the Soul World, to bask in his success as a true egomaniac would.

Obviously, Thanos will be front and center once more, playing God and most likely gloating about his accomplishments. Josh Brolin's depiction of the villain more or less ended all speculation as to whether Marvel Studios could deliver a tyrant worthy of the hype; now the Russo brothers' main task will be to have him repeat his intimidating performance against heroes looking to avenge their previous loss.

New Heroes Will Arrive

Brie Larson has shot scenes with Brolin so fans are already anticipating that epic showdown between Captain Marvel and the Mad Titan, especially after she was summoned in the Infinity War post-credits. Given that Feige described her as the MCU's strongest superhero, she's poised to be the cavalry that will hopefully even the playing field.


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Other heroes joining the fray include Clint Barton (with Jeremy Renner's new look hinting at a new superhero identity); as well as Team Pym, led by Ant-Man and the Wasp. Comic book optimists are even speculating that Pepper Potts will armor up as Rescue, and with the Soul World hinted at, Adam Warlock might even play a role. Nonetheless, after Winter Soldier actor Sebastian Stan said there's a scene involving all the heroes in the MCU, both old and new, you can bet that fans are as excited as ever to see everyone assemble against Thanos.

Heroes Will Be Resurrected

With the sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming kicking off Phase Four and Black Panther 2 in the works, Spidey and T'Challa will definitely be resurrected. Bucky Barnes has long been rumored to take over the Captain America mantle, and with Stan contracted for three more films after this sequel and adamant about the role, it's highly likely he too will return from the dead.


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Looking deeper at everyone's contracts, Elizabeth Olsen's slated for two more films after Avengers 4, and with whispers of a potential solo flick, her Scarlet Witch is at the front of the line to be resurrected as well. Benedict Cumberbatch is contracted for three more films in Phase Four, and with his Doctor Strange sequel rumored to be in the very early stages, he too is set for a revival.

As for the Guardians, of those that were killed, Star-Lord, Drax, Mantis and Groot are expected to return to life as welling order for James Gunn to wrap their arc in their third ensemble outing. Set photos hint that Maria Hill and Nick Fury will be brought back as well.

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Heroes Will Remain Dead... Or Die

Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth's contracts are all up with Avengers 4, which means the MCU Trinity of Cap, Iron Man and Thor could be on the chopping block. The same goes for Don Cheadle's War Machine and Scarlet Johansson's Black Widow, although her fans may still get their fill thanks to an origin movie. While Mark Ruffalo has one more film left after this sequel, given that this would be the final part of a three-movie arc for him, who knows? Maybe the studio would be willing to off either Hulk or Bruce Banner.

Also out of contract after this flick is Paul Bettany. Given that Vision was killed by brute force and not because of Thanos' snap, he may well stay dead (although Shuri did hint he could be sentient without his Mind Stone, and possibly reprogrammed). Anthony Mackie (Falcon) is also likely out of contract after Avengers 4, so he too might not be coming back permanently when the dust settles.


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While Zoe Saldana has hinted that Gamora will be back, given that Thanos killed her in a pivotal sacrifice to get the Soul Stone, her return might just be limited to the Soul World, to ensure her death holds meaning in the overall story.

It'll Involve Time-Jumping

Rumors have persisted that flashbacks and even time-travel will factor into the story, which isn't a stretch when you consider the power of the Time Stone. Set photos have shown Avengers back at the Battle of New York, with Captain America in his original uniform, Thor still with his long, flowing locks, Ruffalo in a mo-cap suit hinting at the Hulk, and Tony Stark, although he's in street clothes. Ant-Man is also in these scenes, despite not being there in the original movie. In these photos, most characters have strange devices strapped to their hands, which many speculate to be the means to travel through time.


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Others are certain the wrist devices are new versions of the B.A.R.F. (Binary Augmented Retro Framing) tech Stark used in Civil War to relive his youth. Given that Loki's seen as a prisoner, it could be Stark reliving another memory using this tech (which was spotted on set), looking for clues in the war against the Chitauri. Stark's blond hair even has fans theorizing that the movie might begin with a time jump into the future, with everyone recovering in the aftermath of Thanos' genocide. Given that Emma Fuhrmann (Blended) has also been cast as an older Cassie Lang (Ant-Man's daughter), there may be some credence to this after all.


Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War stars Robert Downey Jr., Josh Brolin, Mark Ruffalo, Tom Hiddleston, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Olsen, Sebastian Stan, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Bettany, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Benedict Wong, Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillan, Vin Diesel, Dave Bautista, Pom Klementieff, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Holland and Anthony Mackie. The film is in cinemas now.